Shocked Neighbors Gather After Home Invasion Homicide

Vigil held for slain father of 4

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BOWIE, Md. -- A vigil was held Tuesday night in the Bowie community where a man was shot to death during a home invasion earlier this week.

Residents of the Marleigh community walked with candles past manicured lawns and well-kept homes. The quiet development off Enterprise Road is home to many professionals and two-career couples.

Tyrone Richardson was shot to death early Sunday morning in his Marleigh Drive home while his wife and children were tied up. Many residents believe the killing was connected to a recent series of burglaries. But police said that is not the case.

“This was not a burglary gone bad. Mr. Richardson was targeted for an unknown reason," said Col. Kevin Davis, of the Prince George’s County Police.

At a community meeting attended by more than 100 residents, investigators revealed new information about the Richardson slaying. They said the culprits apparently knew the victim to some degree. Police also confirmed that they’ve found three or four items the culprits discarded when they drove away. Detectives did not say what those items are.

The information that the murder was probably not random relieved residents. They’re now talking about ways to use new-found community closeness to prevent crime.

"We made a pact to get to know each other," said Eric Flemming, a Marleigh resident. "We made a pact that we are going to exchange cell phones so that if you are at home during the day, I can give you a call and say, ‘Hey, the alarm is going off,' or, 'There’s someone odd walking around your house.'"